Discovery World Announces Bryan Wunar as New President and CEO
A native of Joliet, Illinois, Bryan has received multiple awards in STEM education, including being named one of the “Most influential People in STEM” by the National Afterschool Association.
Bryan Wunar. Photo courtesy of Discovery World.
Milwaukee – Discovery World, Wisconsin’s premier science and technology center, proudly announced today that its Board of Directors has elected Bryan Wunar as the organization’s next President and CEO. Wunar succeeds Joel Brennan who served as President and CEO for 12 years before transitioning to Secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Administration last December.
“Bryan brings to Discovery World the leadership to expand the impact of exhibits and programming in both STEM and freshwater science while creating more learning opportunities for youth and families in Milwaukee, the region, and beyond,” said Dennis Krakau, Discovery World’s Chairman of the Board. Wunar most recently served as Director of Community Initiatives at the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago where he established and directed nationally recognized education initiatives, revitalizing STEM learning opportunities in partnership with schools, libraries, and community groups. He spearheaded the development of Science Minors and Achievers programs, providing STEM learning for high school students, to inspire more youth toward careers in science and technology.
An appointed search committee of Discovery World’s Board of Trustees began a global search in January of 2019 to select the organization’s next president. Discovery World conducted a comprehensive and exhaustive search that yielded more than 250 applicants from across the globe.
“Many talented leaders demonstrated interest in the position, but none brought more leadership and expertise in STEM learning opportunities, community partnerships and experience in translating both into workforce development opportunities than Bryan Wunar,” said Mary Jo Layden, Discovery World Board Member and chair of the search committee. “We were thrilled to find a leader with Bryan’s experience and leadership and bring him to Milwaukee to take Discovery World to the next level.”
A native of Joliet, Illinois, Bryan has received multiple awards in STEM education, including being named one of the “Most influential People in STEM” by the National Afterschool Association. He has ignited enthusiasm for supporting STEM education from individual donors, foundations and national organizations including NASA, NIH, and NSF. He has a bachelor’s degree in biology, a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction, a certificate in non-profit philanthropy, and has completed all coursework toward a PhD in Educational Psychology.
“I truly believe that museums and science centers play a valuable role as anchors of communities, tying together family, education and workforce development,” said Wunar.
“As a native Midwesterner and lifelong science educator, it is my honor to be leading Discovery World into its next chapter, ensuring it continues to play a prominent role serving its critically important mission and growing in the years ahead.”
About Discovery World
Located on the shores of Lake Michigan, Discovery World is Milwaukee’s premier science and technology center that’s fun for the whole family. The 130,000-square-foot facility is home to interactive exhibits, fresh and saltwater tanks in the Reiman Aquarium, live theater shows, and a multitude of educational programs. Discovery World is also home to Wisconsin’s Flagship the S/V Denis Sullivan. To find out more call (414) 765-9966 or visit www.discoveryworld.org.
NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. It has not been verified for its accuracy or completeness.
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Discovery World Announces Bryan Wunar as New President and CEO
Jun 27th, 2019 by Discovery WorldA native of Joliet, Illinois, Bryan has received multiple awards in STEM education, including being named one of the “Most influential People in STEM” by the National Afterschool Association.
